Search - Louis Vierne, Alexandre Guilmant, Johann Sebastian Bach :: The Wanamaker Legacy

The Wanamaker Legacy
Louis Vierne, Alexandre Guilmant, Johann Sebastian Bach
The Wanamaker Legacy
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

The Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia is the world?s largest functioning musical instrument, and this is the first recording of it restored to full playing condition in the last 30 years. Recorded in 24-bit technology?audiop...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Louis Vierne, Alexandre Guilmant, Johann Sebastian Bach, Marcel Dupre, Peter Richard Conte
Title: The Wanamaker Legacy
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Gothic Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2005
Re-Release Date: 2/1/2005
Genres: Special Interest, Pop, Classical
Styles: Marches, Vocal Pop, Opera & Classical Vocal, Chamber Music, Forms & Genres, Concertos, Suites, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Classical (c.1770-1830), Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 000334924027

Synopsis

Album Description
The Wanamaker organ in Philadelphia is the world?s largest functioning musical instrument, and this is the first recording of it restored to full playing condition in the last 30 years. Recorded in 24-bit technology?audiophile quality sound. Booklet contains pictures of the organ, an extensive and colorful history of the organ and its place in American musical society, and notes by the organist, as well as 13 pages of detailed organ specifications!
 

CD Reviews

Priceless - top-notch playing on a stupendous instrument
R. Gregory Capaldini | Arlington, VA United States | 03/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of America's musical treasures, officially a National Landmark, resides in the immense central court of a grand old Philadelphia department store. Organist Peter Richard Conte presides over the collective 28,000 pipes of the Wanamaker Organ, a one-of-a-kind instrument with six keyboards, pedals, and every conceivable type of pipe organ sound (including bells and other percussion). It excels at approaching the subtle effects of a large symphony orchestra, and significant musicians have been inspired to write music to be played on it. For example, an opportunity to play the Wanamaker in recital inspired French organist-composer Marcel Dupré to write his "Symphonie-Passion," a powerful four-movement meditation on the life of Jesus that incorporates Gregorian chant hymns. Also, the American virtuoso Virgil Fox was asked to devise a Bach chorale arrangement that would utilize the nearly limitless shadings of this organ, and his heartbreaking version of "Come, Sweet Death" is the result. This CD gives us those works and more. It's no exaggeration to assert that only a couple dozen organists in the whole world share Mr. Conte's capabilities in using this monumental instrument to its best effect. The selections here are captured in remarkably clear sound, with Dupré's Symphonie eliciting a deservedly wild ovation in live performance. If you are inspired by great playing on a great pipe organ, you must have this CD, if only because we may never hear this elaborately maintained specimen sounding so good: As of this writing, the ownership of the property containing the Wanamaker Organ is changing hands on account of a corporate merger, which may or may not ensure continued stewardship."
Wanamaker Organ NOT the biggest...
Jennifer A. Stigall | 12/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, if you want to get technical, it's the largest PLAYABLE organ but the Atlantic City Convention Hall Organ (for which a restoration program has FINALLY begun) was and is the biggest at 7 manuals 33114 pipes; not to mention that its a unified organ meaning it has many more voices and range then the pipe count might let on. I say all this not to take away from the Wanamaker organ of which I'm also an aficionado, but just to set the record straight; for some reason the Atlantic City Organ is simultaneously the greatest and most neglected musical instrument in the world. If your unfamiliar with it, go to http://www.acchos.org/ and check it out.



Having gotten THAT out of my system, I must recommend this recording. Peter Conte is phenomonal, and the Wanamaker organ has not sounded better since Rodman Wanamaker was alive. Just buy it. Buy "Magic!" (the other Conte/Wanamaker Organ disc) while your at it; you won't be disappointed."
Incredible...
R. A. Boze | Fort Wayne, IN | 04/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first exposure to Peter Conte or the Wanamaker organ. WOW - I can't believe what I've been missing all this time. Mr. Conte's playing is technically flawless & exhibits musicianship of the highest calibre. And the glorious sound of this organ, so well recorded here - nothing short of stupendous! I keep listening to track 9 - the Dupre "Resurrection" movement - over and over - it is more than stunning!! I can't wait to hear more of Peter Conte or this incredible organ! Thank you!"